Bihar Government to Install CCTV Cameras in All 537 Circle Offices This Year

Patna, Bihar: In a major move to enhance administrative transparency and strengthen security, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha announced that all 537 circle offices across Bihar will be equipped with CCTV cameras by the end of 2026. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the Patna Secretariat on Wednesday.

The minister said that the government has allocated ₹1,25,000 for each circle office to complete the installation of the surveillance system. This allocation covers procurement, installation, and integration of cameras into a central monitoring system to ensure real-time observation and recording of office activities. 

The move is part of the state government’s broader plan to modernise infrastructure, improve governance, and ensure accountability in revenue operations.

“Installing CCTV cameras in every circle office will help in monitoring office procedures, prevent irregularities, and provide a safer environment for both staff and citizens visiting these offices,” said Sinha. He added that the initiative would also allow higher officials to remotely monitor administrative operations, ensuring transparency and efficient service delivery.

Officials confirmed that the work is expected to be completed within the current year itself, with priority being given to offices handling high volumes of citizen interactions. 

The project will be implemented in phases, starting with urban and high-traffic circle offices, followed by rural offices. 

Vendors and contractors have already been shortlisted, and tendering for equipment supply and installation is underway.

Experts said that CCTV monitoring in revenue offices could act as a deterrent against corruption, harassment, or misuse of authority while also providing a record for dispute resolution. 

Once operational, the surveillance feeds will be accessible to district and state authorities for oversight purposes.

The Bihar government has been pushing for digital and technological interventions in governance in recent years, including online revenue services, digital land records, and real-time grievance redressal systems. The CCTV project complements these efforts by ensuring accountability at the grassroots level.

Deputy Chief Minister Sinha also mentioned that regular inspections and audits will be conducted to ensure that cameras are functional and that the system is effectively monitored. The state government plans to release periodic updates on the completion status of installations across all 537 circle offices.

This initiative marks a significant step towards improving administrative efficiency and citizen-centric governance in Bihar, with expectations that other departments may adopt similar surveillance measures in the near future.